By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo & Precious Owolabi, Ado Ekiti

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), alongside Governors Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti and Ademola Adeleke of Osun, has extended warm greetings to Muslims across the country as they commence fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement on Saturday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, speaking on behalf of FEC, congratulated the Muslim faithful on the sighting of the moon, which marks the beginning of the sacred observance.

According to the statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the SGF, Segun Imohiosen, Akume urged Muslims to use the month-long period for spiritual rejuvenation and to embrace values of piety, steadfastness, love, charity, and sacrifice, as enshrined in the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

He emphasised that Ramadan is not only a period of fasting but also a time for deep reflection on faith and national unity. Beyond religious observance, the SGF called on Nigerians to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s interventions in food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, job creation, access to capital, security, and youth empowerment, stressing their importance in fostering national development.

Similarly, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, felicitated the Muslim faithful in the state and beyond, urging them to use the Ramadan period to pray for peace in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Oyebanji enjoined Muslims and adherents of other religions to continue to live in love, harmony, and peaceful coexistence.

The governor stressed that development and progress thrive in a peaceful environment, adding that peace should be pursued through prayers and positive actions.

“I want to congratulate Muslim faithful all over the country, especially in Ekiti State, on the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. As we begin this sacred month, I pray that Almighty Allah will grant us good health and strength to observe the fasting and other acts of worship associated with it,” he said.

He urged Muslims to dedicate themselves to the good of humanity, peace, and the development of both the state and the nation.

Also, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, felicitated the Muslim community, urging them to use the holy month for prayers to sustain peace and uphold godliness in national politics.

In a statement marking the beginning of Ramadan, Adeleke underscored the importance of godliness in governance, calling on Muslims to intercede for leaders to adhere to the will of God, both in and out of power.

“This year’s Ramadan coincides with the current misunderstanding among the political elites in our dear state. It is therefore a time for sober reflection, reassessment of viewpoints, and an attention to the place of Allah in securing and exiting from power,” he stated.

The governor described the Ramadan period as one of spiritual rebirth and urged Muslims to strengthen their relationship with Allah through fasting and prayers. He also encouraged support for the needy, noting that the holy month is a time for humanitarian acts and penitence.

“As we fast, we must accept the divine prescription that Almighty Allah gives power to whom he wills. He elevates and downgrades. No mortal can upturn the will of Allah.

“Believers in God should also remember that Allah is the best schemer and planner. They plan and Allah plans. Allah is supreme, and any plan against Allah’s agenda can never materialise. We must return to God in our politicking and struggle for power,” Adeleke added.